The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Education, has released Ksh.21.8 billion in capitation funds to public institutions across the country, ahead of the new school term set to commence on Monday, August 26, 2024. This significant allocation is aimed at ensuring a smooth resumption of academic activities in the third term, which is particularly crucial as it is an examination period for many students.
In a statement released on Saturday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba emphasized the importance of these funds in facilitating the uninterrupted operation of schools. He urged school heads to utilize the funds strictly for the benefit of students, warning against the imposition of unauthorized fees and the misappropriation of resources. “As a ministry, we will deal firmly with any verified cases of misappropriation of resources and the imposition of unauthorized levies,” CS Ogamba stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring that the funds are used appropriately.
The breakdown of the released funds includes Ksh.1.6 billion allocated for free primary education, Ksh.6.1 billion for free day Junior School education, and Ksh.14.1 billion for free day secondary education. This distribution reflects the government’s continued commitment to providing free education at all levels, a key pillar of its education policy.
However, the release of these funds comes at a time when the education sector is facing significant challenges. A looming nationwide teachers’ strike, scheduled to begin on Monday—the same day schools are set to reopen—threatens to disrupt learning across the country. The strike, organized by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), could potentially paralyze the education system if it proceeds as planned.
Despite ongoing negotiations between the teachers’ unions and the government, union officials have maintained that the strike is on and have urged their members to stay away from schools on Monday. The teachers’ grievances center around the implementation of a previously signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the promotion of teachers, the transition of teachers to permanent and pensionable terms, and the employment of additional teachers to address the growing demand in schools.
The Ministry of Education, recognizing the critical timing of the strike, has called on teachers to prioritize the interests of students, particularly those preparing for national examinations. CS Ogamba, speaking during a conference in Mombasa earlier this week, expressed hope that a resolution would be reached before the term begins. “We are aware the unions and TSC (Teachers Service Commission) are in negotiations, and we are certain that both parties will come to an agreement before the schools reopen,” he said.
CS Ogamba further highlighted the potential impact of the strike on the examination period, stating, “I don’t think we have much choice because this is an examination term. I don’t think anyone can joke about the exams of our children.” His comments reflect the government’s concern about the disruption that the strike could cause, particularly for students in critical stages of their education.
The ongoing negotiations between the unions and the TSC are being closely watched by all stakeholders in the education sector. The outcome of these talks will determine whether the strike will proceed as planned or if a last-minute agreement can be reached to avert the disruption of the academic calendar.
In the meantime, the government’s release of Ksh.21.8 billion in capitation funds is a clear indication of its commitment to supporting education in the country. However, the effectiveness of this support will largely depend on the resolution of the teachers’ grievances and the ability of schools to reopen and operate smoothly in the new term.
As the clock ticks towards Monday, all eyes are on the ongoing negotiations, with students, parents, and educators hoping for a positive outcome that will allow the academic term to proceed without disruption. The government’s appeal to teachers to put the students’ interests first is a crucial reminder of the importance of education in shaping the future of the nation.
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